EDPA Ph.D.: Higher Education (HiEd) Track
Overview
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in educational policy and administration with a program track in higher education (HiEd), administered by the Graduate School and offered by the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD), provides an opportunity for intensive study of the policies and organizational issues in higher education institutions and systems.
HiEd focuses on the experiences, practices, and decisions of those involved in post-secondary education, as well as on the sociopolitical contexts in which higher education exists. Areas of specialization include administration and organization, policy, college students, external relations, equity-oriented change, and research integrity.
Who enrolls in this program?
Students enrolled in HiEd are the future leaders, university faculty members
and/or administrators, policy analysts and researchers in the field of higher
education. The program is selective and is limited to 10
students each year.
All new students begin the program in the fall semester.
What will my program look like?
The Ph.D. requires that students take at least 55 credits of course
work. With adviser's approval, students who already have a master's
degree can apply up to 18 semester credits from the master's toward
their Ph.D. In addition, 24 semester thesis credits are required for the
dissertation. Typically, a course that meets once a week throughout the
semester is three credits. Students may complete the coursework on
either a full-time or part-time basis.
How long will my Ph.D. program take?
Attending full time, including summers, students often can complete the
required coursework in 2 to 2½ years. During this time they complete
preliminary written and oral examinations. Many students are able to
complete their dissertation in another 1 to 2 years. Upon completion of
the dissertation, students take a final oral examination. Doctoral
students must complete all their requirements and receive their degree
within five calendar years after passing their preliminary oral
examination.
Contacts
Questions regarding the admissions process, admissions documents, or general information about the program should be directed to:
Dr. Jeremy
Hernandez
Coordinator of graduate studies
Phone: 612-626-9377
Email: herna220@umn.edu
Specific questions regarding course content should be directed to:
Christine Lepkowski, Graduate assistant
Email: lepko002@umn.edu
Dr. David Weerts
Coordinator, higher education program
Phone: 612-625-2289
Email: dweerts@umn.edu
Revised February 4, 2013